Martin Standard Handcraft Tenor Sax - 1938 - Excellent condition

1938 Martin Handcraft Standard Tenor Saxophone – Exceptional Condition – Fully Overhauled

(Original case included in very nice condition)

For sale is an exceptionally well-preserved 1938 Martin Handcraft Standard tenor saxophone, made in Elkhart, Indiana, during one of Martin's great pre-war periods.

This is a remarkably fine example, both cosmetically and mechanically. As the photographs show, the horn has survived in outstanding condition for an instrument approaching 90 years of age, with a beautifully preserved body, art deco engraving, clean keywork, and very little of the wear normally encountered on saxophones from this era.

The Handcraft Standard should not be confused with a lightweight or cheaply constructed student instrument. This is a substantial, beautifully built vintage Martin tenor from the same era as the early Committee instruments. Interestingly, I have compared the weight of this instrument directly with a Martin Committee I "Searchlight" tenor, and the two instruments weigh virtually exactly the same. The Standard has more restrained engraving and cosmetic detailing, but it is very much a serious, full-size Martin tenor.

Fully Overhauled

The saxophone has received a complete mechanical overhaul and is ready to play.

The restoration included a complete disassembly and cleaning, new pads throughout, replacement of corks and felts as required, inspection and adjustment of the springs, correction of mechanical play where necessary, regulation of the keywork, and careful adjustment of the entire instrument for proper sealing and response.

The original-style Martin neck is present and fits correctly.

Condition

Cosmetically, this is one of the nicest pre-war Martin tenors I have encountered. Please examine the detailed photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

The body and bell are exceptionally clean, the engraving remains sharp and clearly defined, and the keywork presents beautifully. The photographs of the tone holes and pads also show the condition of the instrument following the overhaul.

Naturally, an instrument manufactured in 1938 may show minor signs of age and use, but overall this saxophone is in exceptional condition for its age.

A Special Pre-War Martin

Vintage Martins have a character of their own: a substantial feel, distinctive tonal personality and wonderfully individual American craftsmanship. The late-1930s instruments are particularly interesting because they come from the period in which Martin was developing the designs that would lead into the famous Committee-era saxophones.

This Handcraft Standard offers an opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved and fully restored 1938 Martin tenor, rather than a typical restoration project requiring hundreds of dollars of additional work after purchase. Original case included in good condition.

It would make an excellent instrument for a player who appreciates vintage American tenors, as well as a particularly attractive example for a Martin collector.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if additional detailed photographs are required.

Buyer responsible for any VAT and customs fee's in the destination country.